Gender Equality in Public Administration

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set a clear target that by 2030, the world will strive to achieve women’s full and effective participation at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life. To balance out existing inequalities, countries in all corners of our world must make a profound change to ensure women have better access and opportunities to lead the institutions that govern our societies.

UNDP aims to increase women’s participation and leadership in public institutions in line with SDG5 and SDG16 through our work to ensure Gender Equality in Public Administration (GEPA). Specifically, UNDP works to support data collection, analysis, and research on women’s under-representation in public administration; and supports countries to design and implement policies that will ultimately contribute to a future where boys and girls have equal opportunities that can influence their individual development and that of their communities and societies.

While there has been significant focus on different aspects of women’s participation in public life, promoting women’s participation and leadership in public administration has received less attention. Yet, advancing this critical issue is a cornerstone for ensuring peaceful, just, inclusive and prosperous societies. With women representing 51 per cent of the world's population, their equal participation in public administration is essential for ensuring national policies are reflective of all segments of society.